From Disappointed to Dynamic 3

Hello Everyone,

The next question is —

Why did these things happen?

What is the significance of the sounds, sights, and Spirit-enabled praising and preaching … that happened on the Day of Pentecost?

Let me offer two reasons for these things the disciples witnessed and experienced on the day of Pentecost:

A.   The Dynamics of Pentecost provided the — evidence the disciples needed!

Jesus had told his disciples to 'wait for the gift my father promised'? But exactly what were they waiting for?

How were they to know if they had waited long enough?

What were the indicators that the promise of a partnership with a new parakletos (Divine Enabler) had really begun?

Key — God chose sounds and sights and speech that immediately registered with the disciples that this was the PROMISE they were waiting and praying for — let me show you what I mean …

1.   In the Old Testament, wind was a sign and symbol of — God's life!

The same Hebrew word translated wind is also translated spirit — the Hebrew word is: 'Ruach'

The ruach of God or breath of God was what God breathed into Adam that made him a living soul!

The ruach of God or breath of God was what Ezekiel was told to prophesy to the valley of dry bones so that they could live!

The sound of a rushing mighty wind said, this is — God's life-giving presence!

2.   On several occasions in the Old Testament FIRE was used as a sign and symbol of — God's acceptance!

God proved He accepted the sacrifice of Elijah by consuming the offering with fire from Heaven!

On two occasions in the Old Testament God accepted the dedication of a new temple (a dwelling place) by sending fire from Heaven!

When the disciples saw the fire from above it was evidence to them of God's acceptance

It was as though God were saying — "I accept you as my dwelling place!"

That's why the apostle Paul would tell the Corinthians — "You are the temple (the house/dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit!"

3.   Throughout the Old Testament, prophetic speech was sign and symbol of — God's presence!

A couple of examples — Numbers 11:25-30, Joel 2:28,29

Prophetic speaking was an undeniable sign of God's presence on an individual and as the disciples began to proclaim God's greatness and mighty works in languages they had never learned it was an incredible confirmation that God was not only with them He was working in them and through them!

B.   The Dynamics of Pentecost not only provided the disciples with evidence they needed … the Dynamics of Pentecost provided them with the — enabling they needed!

 I believe the dynamics of this day were more than a statement about the Holy Spirit's presence … each sign and symbol speaks to us of the Holy Spirit's ENABLING role in our lives!

As the breath of God … the Holy Spirit enables our connection to Christ!

Greater Things Are Still To Come!

Pastor Phil